I learned a long time ago how a simple act of kindness has the potential to keep giving for a long time.  This is one of my specialties!  I have a knack for giving without expectancy because it makes me happy.  Of all of my wonderful qualities, this is what I like about myself the most.  But, in the irony that is life, it is also my Achilles Heel, my weakness, my vulnerability.  My disdain for confrontation and desire to make people happy labels me an easy target.  The seven-year-old inside guides me with a handicap of innocence as I always give people the benefit of the doubt – until it’s too late.  Oh well.  In the end, I only have to account for myself, so I’m good!    

          This note came at a time in my life when things were piling up against me in ways I couldn’t understand, as life does.  I found it in my mailbox at a perfect time and I hung it up on a wall at home.  The more the pressure mounted, the more often I would refer to that note for a boost.  I was even able to thank the author later on and let her know that I truly appreciated her kindness.   “I am that person!” I thought as I walked out the door to face the day.

          There is an anonymous truck driver from 1978 or 79 for who I am most grateful.  I owe him my life!  I was driving home at some crazy hour in the morning from a friends’ house in a city an hour away.  The drinking age was 18 back then.  We had been partying and having fun, but I had to get home for work in the morning.  Foolish, foolish teen-ager.

          I didn’t realize that I was falling asleep while driving down a long stretch of country highway when, all of a sudden, a semi was on my ass with his bright lights blinding me and his horn blaring crazily!  That scared the crap out of me!  I was awake then and made it home.  Thank you, my friend!

          Many, many inspirational stories include random acts of kindness saving the day miraculously.  Some call it luck, others guardian angels.  I try to be that person who generates positivity as much of the time as possible to foster whatever good thing it may be.  When I take walks, I say hello to almost everyone and smile a lot.  I’m often goofy with the cashiers in the grocery store.  I enjoy having conversation with all types of people.  As a mom, volunteer, and teacher, I know I have made a small, yet positive impact on so many young people, and that makes me happy. 

          You never know when a kind word will make a tremendous difference because pain doesn’t always draw attention to itself.  People who are struggling can be loud and grouchy or quiet and withdrawn.  I’m one of those who tends to retreat, so I am naturally drawn to others like that.  There are so many reasons and so many ways in which people struggle.  Be kind in the smallest of ways because you never know just how much good it may do.